We just returned from 12 days in Ireland and struggled with renting a car or patching together day trips. I was referred to a driver who was terrific and I just wanted to share his information for those of you looking for a similar option. His name is Niall Cleary - Best of Ireland Tours. He runs a small independent tour company and partners with someone who can do walking tours. His tours cover most of central, south, western ireland. Since it is his own business he works so hard to make sure you love his tour. He picked us (family of 5, 3 teens) up in Galway at our hotel and drove us to Cliffs of Moher then to Caherconnell stone fort to tour the fort and watch the sheep dog demonstration. We stopped at various old castles and sites along the way. Stopped for lunch at a wonderful cafe. Overall just a fantastic experience and well priced I believe. He dropped us back at our hotel at 5:00pm. He also offered to drop us at a great seafood restaurant on the coast and wait for us - but we were tired by that point. I cannot recommend him enough. If interested, here is his contact info: Naill@bestofirelandtours.ie. phone +353 87 244 9446.
Cheers,
Anne
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1 posts
Hello, Thanks for posting this information. Can you tell me how far in advance you booked a private driver? did you just use him for a day or your whole trip? If you are comfortable sharing the daily cost that would be helpful. We are a group of 8 adults.
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OP
5 posts
Hi. I booked Niall probably 2 weeks ahead. That was for a late June trip and he did mention that he was getting busier - but that will likely wane as we approach September. We just used him for a day and the cost was usually 400 Euros for an 8 hour day - picking us up at our hotel in downtown Galway and returning us to our hotel. the cost may vary a bit if he has to drive far to see you. I believe he is located in the Caherconnell area which is maybe 30 minutes from Cliffs of Moher. The costs shouldnt matter for the number of people - at least that's the sense that I got. it is a very nice, new white touring van and 8 should fit just fine. He does multiple day tours for people and he has even been asked to be a driver for a 3 day weekend for a large wedding party that came over from the US. I hope that is helpful. You cant go wrong with him. He is so honest, hard working and LOVES sharing all he knows about Ireland. He does tours really all around Ireland with the exception of Northern Irelend I believe - and probably not Dublin city. Good luck to you!